Day 5 - Puente la Reina or Bust

We left Pamplona at a snail's pace this morning.

Wheat fields all around and a beautiful day!

Fluffy clouds and low 60s, perfect for hiking.

Field after field after field...

So many have a lone, red poppy.

In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks.

John Muir

Cute little village along the way.

The small churches are such peaceful places to be.

It's an uphill climb to Alto del Perdon, but we made it!

(Translation is Hill of Forgiveness.)

The monument pays homage to the Camino's pilgrims.

It's neck and neck, but we think Mike will win the race.

Mike left Lynna's ribbon on the highest peak 

in honor of Mother's Day. Seems just right.

What an inspirational spot this is!

Wonderful statue of Mary on the way down.

A closer look.

Dave enjoying an ice cream bar.

Some things never change...

Dave gifted his knee brace to a fellow pilgrim.

Then he became one with this sculpture. 

Looks like it was perfectly "taylored" for Mike.

Another calm and serene setting.

Puente la Reina, welcoming us.

This medieval town is lots of fun to explore.

And we are having a good time doing just that.

There's a festival in Puente la Reina square with a band 

and dancing. Mike is such a party animal.

First course. The "pilgrim" meal.

Steak was plentiful but a bit tough. Dave rated it a

10, for 10 miles...meaning that, tied to the bottom of

his boots, it would last 10 miles on the Camino.

Fitbit says we walked 40,020 steps and 

19 miles today. Tomorrow, it's on to Estella!

Another Camino story from Dave:

As it happens, the very nice lady in the picture (below) is named Margaret, my mother's name. She was walking with a lot of difficulty and had tape wrapped around her knee that clearly wasn't doing her a lot of good. I had worn my knee brace to navigate a steep downhill, just as a precaution. I ended up giving it to my new friend (Margaret) in honor of my mom, for Mother's Day. There's a great spirit on the Camino, and I hope it may be rubbing off on me a little!

A story from Mike (The Parable of the Hiking Sticks):

On the second day of our pilgrimage, one of my hiking sticks wouldn't stay extended. I was forced to walk with only one, and what an unpleasant difference that made! The road ahead became far more challenging. I couldn't walk in stride and feel comfortable. 

The stick is fixed now, and the effect of having two again is like night and day. When my right arm can work in concert with the left, proper balance is maintained. With one stick, my journey was a struggle. With two, it's a joy. This experience got Dave and me talking about how important proper balance is in life. While using one pole was better than nothing, things went so much better for me with two. We thought quickly of four things to keep in balance for a more enjoyable journey through life: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. There are probably others, but one thing is certain: Balance is key!

Click below to support mental health services

and read more about the cause Mike and Dave 

are supporting with their walk.